Sunday 17th May 2009

Sixth Sunday of Easter

The Spirit of God’s love

Jesus said to his disciples: “You did not choose me; no, I chose you.” Anybody who is involved in a team sport will know the tension there is in wondering if they will be picked for the team and then the delight when they are picked or the utter disappointment when they are not. Jesus has picked each one of us for his team of disciples because the task of transforming the world is so vast and because each one of us has our own unique gifts and opportunities for the task. Our responsibility is to say yes to his call and take our part in his mission. As always this begins in our homes with the most intimate relationships of human life, to make those the best they can possibly be. Our mission is also to our faith community where we have a special relationship in the Body and Blood of Christ. And it extends to the world in which we live. This week we can refresh the enthusiasm and joy of being chosen.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Mary, Mother of God

One day God made a tour of heaven to check out the recent arrivals. He was taken aback at the quality of many of those who had been allowed in and he went to Peter, the gatekeeper, to ask him the meaning of this. “You’ve let me down again”, he told Peter, “you have let in a lot of people who should not be here”. “

Not me” said Peter. “How did they get in?” said God. “Well” said Peter, “when I turned them away at the front gate they went around the back and your mother let them in “

Derry Diocesan Society

The following names have been added to the list of Deceased Members of the Derry Diocesan Society:

Moya O’Reilly, 14 Cannonvale
Edward (Ted) O’Reilly, 14 Cannonvale
Susan McGlinchey, 5 Glenview Cottages
Gerry McWilliams, Garvallagh, Seskinore
Robert Patton, 11 Gortmore Gardens
Brian Shaughnessy, London (formerly Castlederg)
Linda McDonald, 18 Cannonhill
Tess Curran, 6 Cunningham Terrace
John Doherty 12 Gortrush Park
Joseph Duddy Junior, Ballinamullan Road
Kathleen Ferguson, Kevlin Gardens
Patricia McGarrity, Sixmilecross
William Duddy, 46 Gortmore Park
Gerry McLaren, 6 Clontarf Drive
Patrick McGread, 21 Corradinna Road, Tattysallagh
Mary Mullan, Tattyreagh
Mary Cunningham, Tattysallagh

That these and all who sleep in Christ find in your presence, light, happiness and peace.

Handel’s Messiah

The Omagh Music Society will give a 250th Anniversary performance in St Columba’s Church on Tuesday 19th May at 7.30 pm. Soloists will be Elizabeth Ross, Nuala Murray, Eugene O’Hagan and Michael Brown. The organist will be Neale Agnew. Admission £10- Concession £8.

Saints of the Week

Week Beginning Sunday 17th May

Monday 18 – St John I, pope and martyr
Wednesday 20 – St Bernadine of Siena, priest
Thursday 21 – Sts Christopher Megallanes, priest and Companions, martyrs
Friday 22 – St Rita of Cascia, religious

Recent Deaths

We pray for the family of the following who died recently:

Sean Óg McCarney

May he rest in peace.

Sacred Heart Church
Mass Intentions 7.30 pm

Wednesday Ray McGuigan – 1st Anniversary

Thursday Mary Aitken – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms
Victoria Zlezarczyk, 4 Lambrook Drive

Weddings
We congratulate the following couple who were married recently:
Helen McElroy & Kris Toner
May the grace of the sacrament remain with them all their lives.

Parish Notes

• There will be no 8 am Mass this week as some of the priests will be going on retreat. It will resume on Monday 25th May.

• We wish the Year 4 pupils from Loreto P.S., All Saint’s P.S. and Sacred Heart P.S. all the best as they make their First Holy Communion today in the Sacred Heart Church at 12.30 pm Mass and at 10 am Mass in Drumragh.

Pledge Ceremony
The Mass for those Primary Seven children who are taking their Confirmation pledge will take place on Monday 1st June in the Sacred Heart Church. More details later.

Addiction – The first step in recovery

Learn from the past, plan for the future, live in the present.

Dependence on alcohol, other drugs or gambling presents life threatening physical and mental health challenges for individuals, stress and relationship difficulties in families, financial problems for all concerned, educational issues for children and young people, deaths on roads and crime on our streets. An honest response to the following questions will confirm evidence of addiction.

1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your use of alcohol, other drugs or the time and money spent gambling?

 

2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your dependence on alcohol, other drugs or the time and money spent on gambling?

 

3. Have you ever felt guilty about your dependence on alcohol, other drugs or on gambling?

 

4. Have you needed alcohol or other drug first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

If you are concerned about your dependence on alcohol, other drugs or gambling, staff in White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre on 00353 749384400 provide a confidential counselling service for individuals, couples or families. It has been said that a journey of 1000 Km begins with the first step, begin the journey into recovery today.

CLANABOGAN DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Annual Litter Pick
Tuesday 19th May 2009 at 7.00pm
Commencing at Lynch's Shop
Everyone Welcome

KEEP CLANABOGAN TIDY!

Diocesan Youth Mass & Blessing for Young Drivers

On Pentecost Sunday 31st May there will be a Diocesan Youth Mass and Blessing for Young Drivers in St Columb’s Church, Chapel Road, Waterside, Derry at 7 pm. All young drivers are invited to bring their license or car keys to this Mass for a special blessing. ‘Rejoice’, the Diocesan Youth Choir will lead the music and Bishop Hegarty will be the main celebrant. Refreshments will be served in the Parish Centre after Mass. Everyone welcome.

Omagh St Enda's GAC

The Seniors play Coalisland at Healy Park this Sunday 17th May with the games commencing at 2.45 pm (Reserves) and 3.15 pm (Seniors). Another opportunity to see a pile of all Ireland winners on your doorstep! Bingo continues at Healy Park this Thursday at 9 pm with £4000 in prize money.

St. Joseph’s Prayer Group, Christian Brothers Oratory
Spend 1 hour in Community, Friendship & Prayer on Wednesdays from 8.10pm

Pray Rosary with Meditations, Scripture, Exposition, Music, Prayers / Intentions
(May Prayer Focus: ‘Increased Devotion to Our Lady & The Rosary’)
Contact: John 07751874422

Prepare for Pentecost

Holy Mass will be celebrated by Fr Michael Ross SDB on Thursday 28th May at 7.30 pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh. Praise music and song will begin at 7.10 pm with Holy Mass at 7.30 pm. The theme of the evening will be ‘The Gifts of the Holy Spirit’. Come and pray.

Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Lough Derg

To mark the Year of St Paul, an ecumenical pilgrimage to Lough Derg has been organised on Monday 18th May. Parishioners from Drumragh Parish will be accompanied by Monsignor Donnelly and leaders and members of other Christian Churches in the area.

A bus will be at the Loreto School gates from 9.45 am, leaving at 10 am and returning at 3 pm. The cost of the pilgrimage, which includes boat and lunch, will be £15. The bus fare will be £6.

For final Bookings, please call 8224 8060. Payment can be made on the day.

Cemetery Sunday 2009

Our Services of Remembrance for the Dead will take place this year in the Drumragh and Dublin Road Cemeteries on Sunday 7th June. The Drumragh Cemetery Service will be at 3 pm and the Dublin Road Cemetery Service at 5 pm.

Derry Diocese Child Protection Update

A lot of work has been accomplished in the area of Child Protection in the Diocese over the past number of years, due to the commitment of personnel at all levels in the diocese. We continue to put in place those structures, personnel, policies and procedures that will try to ensure the protection and welfare of children and young people in a manner consistent with statutory requirements and Church guidelines. In the light of the teaching of the Church, Civil Legislation and Guidance, every part of the Church community must be committed to taking the necessary steps to:

Demonstrate that the right of the child to protection from harm is paramount

Cherish and safeguard children and young people

Foster best practice

Support Church organisations and personnel in safeguarding children

Establish safe recruitment and vetting practices – aimed at preventing those who pose a risk to children from holding positions of trust

Maintain codes of behaviour – having clear guidelines that set out what is and is not acceptable behaviour as an essential part of keeping children safe.

The Diocese now has a Child Protection Committee, Diocesan Co-ordinator, two Diocesan Trainers and a network of Parish Representatives.

Notices are displayed in our churches, which include the Diocesan Policy Statement and contact numbers for statutory authorities for anyone with a concern in relation to child protection or who wish to make an allegation. There are also names and contact numbers of the diocesan delegates.

Omagh Independent Advice Centre
Omagh Independent Advice Centre offers a free and confidential advice service to anyone in financial difficulty on all aspects of debt or any associated financial problem. If you would like to speak to someone about your financial difficulties, contact Michele in the Advice Centre on 028 8224 3252.

St Joseph’s Bookshop
Open Saturdays
10.30 am - 4 pm

Wide variety of Books, Holy Ornaments, Medals, Rosaries & Cards available.

Omagh Independent Advice Centre
Omagh Independent Advice Centre offers a free and confidential advice service to anyone in financial difficulty. If you would like to speak to someone about your financial difficulties, please call Michele in the Advice Centre on 028 8224 3252.

Coming Soon to St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh

JW Promotions Presents one of Country Music’s Greatest Talents

Collin Raye

Friday 22nd May 2009

Support Act – Gary Quinn

Call 07753 936 701 for ticket sales